Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation

FERGUSON•Tampa, FL

1d•$11,400 - $18,700•Remote

About The Position

The Assistant General Counsel - Claims & Litigation serves as dedicated in-house litigation counsel supporting Ferguson’s liability claims and defense strategy. Reporting to senior legal leadership, this role handles liability and construction defect disputes, oversees external defense counsel, directs case strategy through all phases of claims administration and litigation, and provides proactive legal guidance to internal partners to mitigate organizational risk. The role is approved for remote work, preferably from Florida. Travel is required as needed for depositions, mediations, trials, and site visits, as well as periodic travel to corporate headquarters in Newport News, Virginia, and/or Tampa, Florida.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school fully accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Active license and membership in good standing of at least one state bar.
At least five years of litigation experience, with considerable focus on leading and taking responsibility for auto, general, and product liability matters, including interaction with third-party claims administrators.
Prior corporate in-house experience handling high-volume or high-exposure claim portfolios for a national distributor, manufacturer, or retailer; experience at a law firm or public agency leading complex tort defense and outside counsel relationships will also be considered.
Proven track record handling material litigation events, including depositions, dispositive motions, alternative dispute resolution, and trial preparation.
Experience working with third-party administrators (TPAs) and claims management systems.
Experience with multi-jurisdictional litigation.
Sound legal and business judgment, with the ability to provide practical, risk-calibrated counsel to operational leaders.
Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with all levels of corporate management.
Poise and ability to present clearly to groups, including leading internal training and preventative education programs.
Analytical rigor and ability to apply logic and sound judgment in confrontational or high-stakes dispute situations.
Excellent project management skills and ability to prioritize and drive multiple complex matters simultaneously.
High degree of self-motivation and ability to work independently in a remote environment.
Proficiency in legal technology, matter management systems, and standard business software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel as needed for depositions, mediations, trials, and site visits, and periodically to corporate headquarters in Newport News, Virginia, and/or Tampa, Florida.

Nice To Haves

Significant product liability experience is highly preferred.
Familiarity with building products, plumbing, HVAC, or industrial distribution operations and supply-chain logistics is ideal.

Responsibilities

Handle high-volume claims administration and case strategy for auto, general, and product liability and construction defect claims.
Advise and supervise external defense counsel and third-party administrators; manage litigation deadlines; and review pleadings, discovery, motions, and significant correspondence to maintain consistent case strategy.
Attend and represent the company’s interests at material depositions, mediations, arbitrations, settlement conferences, and trials.
Report on auto, general, and product liability, construction defect, and related tort litigation; establish benchmarks, monitor litigation budgets, and track financial metrics.
Advise management, business units, and legal leadership on preventative options and risk-mitigation strategies.
Conduct and take responsibility for internal investigations regarding claims, and prepare official responses to third parties, regulatory bodies, and opposing counsel.
Evaluate, tender, and respond to tenders of defense and indemnification agreements with vendors, manufacturers, and insurers as appropriate.
Persuasively present the company’s position to third parties, including opposing counsel, investigative agencies, and auditors.
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of legal service delivery through preventative measures, including early issue identification, analysis, and dispute resolution.
Communicate effectively and maintain professional, supportive relationships with company associates, witnesses, external counsel, and business partners.